Receiving malfunctioning mobile phone and a dispensing functioning cellular telephone console

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a user-friendly and a user-interactive cellular mobile phone console, allowing a user to interactively replace a malfunctioning cellular mobile phone with a functioning mobile phone.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 14/367,108,filed Jun. 19, 2014, which is a National Phase Application ofPCT/IL2012/000392, filed Dec. 19, 2012, entitled A RECEIVINGMALFUNCTIONING MOBILE PHONE AND A DISPENSING FUNCTIONING CELLULARTELEPHONE CONSOLE and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/629,245, filed Sep. 27, 2012, entitled“AUTOMATIC MOBILE COMMUNICATOR DEPOT SYSTEM AND METHODOLOGY,” whichclaims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/577,112, entitled A RECEIVING MALFUNCTIONING MOBILE PHONE AND ADISPENSING FUNCTIONING CELLULAR TELEPHONE CONSOLE, filed Dec. 19, 2011,the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a cellular mobile phone console for receiving,from a defined user, a malfunctioning cellular phone; and a dispensingsaid user with a functioning cellular telephone. It should be emphasizedthat the dispensed functioning cellular telephone is not necessarily thereceived malfunctioned cellular phone; furthermore, it should beemphasized that the dispensed functioning cellular telephone could befrom a different model/type than the received malfunctioned cellularphone.

The core concept behind the present invention is the ability to receive,from a defined user, a malfunctioning cellular phone; and to dispensesaid user with a functioning cellular telephone.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, the number of mobile communicators in the hands of thepublic has increased greatly, thus creating a need for efficientlogistics for handling and replacement thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide a user-friendly and auser-interactive cellular mobile phone replacement console, allowing auser to insert a malfunctioning mobile phone into the mobile phoneconsole and receiving a replacement mobile phone from the cellular phoneconsole

It is one object of the present invention to provide a cellular phoneconsole comprising: a receiving port for receiving, from a defined user,a malfunctioning cellular phone; and a dispensing mechanism forproviding said user with a functioning cellular telephone.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellularphone console as defined above, wherein the type of said functioningcellular telephone is different than the type of said malfunctioningcellular phone.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellularphone console as defined above, wherein said user interactive unitcomprises a user data input device for providing data input to saidconsole said input data comprises at least one of the following: a useridentification code; cellular mobile phone manufacturer data; a cellularmobile phone serial number; a cellular mobile phone model type and anycombination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellularphone console as defined above, wherein said at least one cellular phonemalfunction is selected from the group consisting of at least onehardware malfunction, at least one software malfunction and anycombination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellularphone console as defined above, further comprising an outlet port forejecting a replacement cellular mobile phone.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellularphone console as defined above, further comprising a selection oftemporary replacement cellular mobile phones.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellularphone console as defined above, further comprising an ejection port forproviding said user with said selected temporary replacement cellularmobile phone.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method forreplacing a cellular mobile phone comprising:

providing a cellular phone console, in a cellular phone station:

inserting a malfunctioning cellular mobile phone into a receiving portof said station; and,

dispensing a functioning cellular telephone.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of inputting a useridentification code into said console by means of a data input device.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of confirming that said useris a registered user.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellularphone console as defined above, wherein said cellular phone console isplaced in public domains.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellularphone console as defined above, wherein said cellular phone console isprovided with at least one anti-theft mechanism adapted to prevent anyburglary and theft of said malfunctioned cellular phones received.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellularphone console as defined above, wherein said cellular phone console isprovided with at least one identification mechanism adapted to identifysaid user.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellularphone console as defined above, wherein said cellular phone console isprovided with at least one identification mechanism adapted to identifysaid malfunctioned cellular phones received.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellularphone console as defined above, wherein said identification mechanism isadapted to identify at least one selected from a group consisting of themodel of said malfunctioned cellular phones received, the producer ofsaid malfunctioned cellular phones received, the phone number of saiduser, the I.D. number of said user, the address of said user, the emailof said user and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellularphone console as defined above, wherein said malfunctioned cellularphones received is enclosed within a protected container.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellularphone console as defined above, wherein said cellular phone console isprovided with means adapted to enable the back-up of informationcontained within said malfunctioned cellular phones received.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellularphone console as defined above, wherein said cellular phone console isprovided with means adapted to diagnose said malfunctioned phone.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellularphone console as defined above, wherein any accessories of saidmalfunctioned phone's are adapted to be tagged with radio frequencyidentification (RFID).

It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellularphone console as defined above, wherein said accessories are selectedfrom a group consisting of bag, battery, charger and any combinationthereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellularphone console as defined above, wherein said cellular phone console isprovided with at least one camera adapted to identify said user.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellularphone console as defined above, wherein said cellular phone console isadapted to dispense at least one receipt once said malfunctioningcellular phone is received within said cellular phone station.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellularphone console as defined above, wherein said at least one receiptcomprising at least one detail selected from a group consisting ofdetails of said malfunctioned phone, detail on said user, themalfunction itself, details on the cellular phone console in which themalfunctioned phone had been deposit, detail on the date and time atwhich the malfunctioned phone has been deposited in said cellular phoneconsole, and an identification number in case said malfunctioned phoneis lost; and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellularphone console as defined above, wherein said details of saidmalfunctioned phone is selected from a group consisting of type of saidmalfunctioned phone, phone number of said malfunctioned phone and anycombination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellularphone console as defined above, wherein said detail on said user isselected from a group consisting of name of said user, ID of said user,address of said user, reachable number of said user and any combinationthereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, additionally comprising step of dispensing at least onereceipt once said malfunctioning cellular phone is received within saidcellular phone station.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said at least one receipt comprising at least onedetail selected from a group consisting of details of said malfunctionedphone, detail on said user, the malfunction itself, details on thecellular phone console in which the malfunctioned phone had beendeposit, and an identification number in case said malfunctioned phoneis lost, detail on the date and time at which the malfunctioned phonehas been deposited in said cellular phone console, and any combinationthereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said details of said malfunctioned phone isselected from a group consisting of type of said malfunctioned phone,phone number of said malfunctioned phone and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said detail on said user is selected from a groupconsisting of name of said user, ID number of said user, address of saiduser, reachable number of said user and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said details of said malfunctioned phone isselected from a group consisting of type of said malfunctioned phone,phone number of said malfunctioned phone and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide the method asdefined above, wherein said detail on said user is selected from a groupconsisting of name of said user, ID of said user, address of said user,reachable number of said user and any combination thereof.

The present invention also seeks to provide an automatic mobilecommunicator depot system and methodology. There is thus provided inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention anautomatic mobile communicator depot system including a mobilecommunicator acceptor for accepting mobile communicators and providingmobile communicator acceptance inputs, a mobile communicator dispenserfor dispensing substitute mobile communicators in response to substitutemobile communicator dispensing instructions, a customer interfacereceiving customer inputs identifying a specific mobile communicatorwith a specific customer, and a depot controller responsive at least tothe customer inputs and the acceptance inputs and including dispensercontrol functionality for providing dispensing instructions to themobile communicator dispenser to dispense a specific substitute mobilecommunicator to a specific customer and automatic telephone numbertransfer functionality for transferring a telephone number from a mobilecommunicator received by the mobile communicator acceptor from a givencustomer to the substitute mobile communicator dispensed by the mobilecommunicator dispenser to the customer.

Preferably, the mobile communicator acceptor is operative to accept froma customer a mobile communicator to be repaired and the mobilecommunicator dispenser is operative to dispense to the customer atemporary replacement mobile communicator to be used until thecustomer's mobile communicator is returned in a repaired state to thecustomer. Additionally or alternatively, the mobile communicatoracceptor is operative to accept from a customer a mobile communicator tobe replaced and the mobile communicator dispenser is operative todispense to the customer a permanent replacement mobile communicator.

Preferably, the mobile communicator acceptor is also operative to acceptfrom the customer the temporary replacement mobile communicator and themobile communicator dispenser is operative to dispense the mobilecommunicator earlier received by the mobile communicator acceptor fromthe customer, to the customer in a repaired state. Additionally oralternatively, the mobile communicator acceptor is operative to acceptfrom the customer a temporary replacement mobile communicator dispensedto the customer by a mobile communicator dispenser which is not the amobile communicator dispenser, and the mobile communicator dispenser isoperative to dispense the mobile communicator earlier received from thecustomer by a mobile communicator acceptor which is not the mobilecommunicator acceptor, to the customer in a repaired state.

Preferably, the automatic telephone number transfer functionality isoperative for transferring the telephone number from the temporaryreplacement mobile communicator received by the mobile communicatoracceptor from the customer to the mobile communicator dispensed to thecustomer in a repaired state.

Preferably, the depot controller also includes automatic data transferfunctionality operable for transferring of data stored in a mobilecommunicator received by the mobile communicator acceptor from a givencustomer to the temporary substitute mobile communicator dispensed bythe mobile communicator dispenser to the customer. Preferably, the dataincludes at least part of a contact list. Preferably, the transferringof data is at least partly wireless. Preferably, the automatic datatransfer functionality is also operable for transferring of data storedin the temporary substitute mobile communicator earlier received by themobile communicator acceptor from a given customer to the mobilecommunicator dispensed to the customer in a repaired state.

Additionally or alternatively, the depot controller also includesautomatic data transfer functionality operable for transferring of dataof a given customer, the data stored in an internet accessible storagefacility, to the temporary substitute mobile communicator dispensed bythe mobile communicator dispenser to the customer. Preferably, the dataincludes at least part of a contact list. Preferably, the transferringof data is at least partly wireless.

Preferably, the depot system also includes a customer internet interfaceoperable for receiving customer inputs identifying a specific mobilecommunicator with a specific customer via the internet. Preferably, thecustomer inputs include at least a telephone number of the specificmobile communicator. Preferably, the customer inputs include at least adescription of a malfunction of the specific mobile communicator whichneeds to be repaired and a preferred future pickup location of thespecific mobile communicator in a repaired state.

Preferably, the mobile communicator acceptor also includes imagingfunctionality for capturing an image of at least part of the specificmobile communicator.

Preferably, the mobile communicator acceptor also includes depot-servicecenter communication functionality operative for communicating betweenthe depot and at least one mobile communicator service center.Preferably, the depot-service center communication functionality isoperable for communicating at least some of the customer inputs to theat least one mobile communicator service center.

Preferably, the mobile communicator acceptor is also operative to placethe specific mobile communicator into a bin located within a mobilecommunicator storage and transport structure.

Preferably, the depot-service center communication functionality isoperable for communicating the identities of the bin and of the mobilecommunicator storage and transport structure to the at least one mobilecommunicator service center in association with a unique identifier ofthe specific mobile communicator.

Preferably, at least part of the identities of the bin and of the mobilecommunicator storage and transport structure are encoded in barcodesimprinted on respective ones of the bin and the mobile communicatorstorage and transport structure. Preferably, the depot system alsoincludes barcode scanning functionality operable for reading thebarcodes.

Preferably, the automatic telephone number transfer functionality isoperative to employ the depot-service center communication functionalityto employ the at least one mobile communicator service center for thetransferring a telephone number.

Preferably, the mobile communicator dispenser is also operable fordispensing, to the customer, mobile communicator accessories suitablefor use with the substitute mobile communicators to be used until thecustomer's mobile communicator is returned in a repaired state to thecustomer, and the mobile communicator acceptor is also operable foraccepting, from the customer, the mobile communicator accessoriesearlier dispensed to the customer, upon return of the customer's mobilecommunicator in a repaired state to the customer. Preferably, theaccessories include at least one of a mobile communicator charger and adata synchronizing cable.

Preferably, the mobile communicator storage and transport structure isoperable for removal thereof from the depot and for transport betweenthe depot and the mobile communicator service center.

Preferably, the depot also includes customer messaging functionalityoperative to notify the customer that his mobile communicator has beenrepaired and will be available for pickup at a specific automatic mobilecommunicator depot at a specific time. Additionally or alternatively,the depot also includes customer messaging functionality operative tonotify the customer that his mobile communicator has been repaired andis available for pickup at a specific automatic mobile communicatordepot.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodimentof the present invention a method for operating an automatic mobilecommunicator depot including accepting mobile communicators andproviding mobile communicator acceptance inputs, dispensing substitutemobile communicators in response to substitute mobile communicatordispensing instructions, receiving customer inputs identifying aspecific mobile communicator with a specific customer, and responsive atleast to the customer inputs and the acceptance inputs, providingdispensing instructions to the mobile communicator dispenser to dispensea specific substitute mobile communicator to a specific customer, andautomatically transferring a telephone number from a mobile communicatorreceived by the mobile communicator acceptor from a given customer tothe substitute mobile communicator dispensed by the mobile communicatordispenser to the customer.

Preferably, accepting mobile communicators includes accepting from acustomer a mobile communicator to be repaired, and dispensing substitutemobile communicators includes dispensing to the customer a temporaryreplacement mobile communicator to be used until the customer's mobilecommunicator is returned in a repaired state to the customer.Additionally or alternatively, accepting mobile communicators includesaccepting from a customer a mobile communicator to be replaced, anddispensing substitute mobile communicators includes dispensing to thecustomer a permanent replacement mobile communicator.

Preferably, accepting mobile communicators includes accepting from thecustomer the temporary replacement mobile communicator, and dispensingsubstitute mobile communicators includes dispensing the mobilecommunicator earlier received from the customer, to the customer in arepaired state.

Preferably, the transferring includes automatically transferring thetelephone number from the temporary replacement mobile communicatorreceived from the customer to the mobile communicator dispensed to thecustomer in a repaired state.

Preferably, the method also includes automatically transferring datastored in a mobile communicator received from a given customer to thetemporary substitute mobile communicator dispensed to the customer.Preferably, the data includes at least part of a contact list.Preferably, the transferring of data is at least partly wireless.Preferably, the method also includes automatically transferring datastored in the temporary substitute mobile communicator earlier receivedfrom the given customer to the mobile communicator dispensed to thecustomer in a repaired state.

Additionally or alternatively, the method also includes automaticallytransferring data of a given customer, the data stored in an internetaccessible storage facility, to the temporary substitute mobilecommunicator dispensed to the customer. Preferably, the data includes atleast part of a contact list. Preferably, the transferring of data is atleast partly wireless.

Preferably, the method also includes receiving customer inputsidentifying a specific mobile communicator with a specific customer viathe internet.

Preferably, the customer inputs include at least a telephone number ofthe specific mobile communicator. Preferably, the customer inputsinclude at least a description of a malfunction of the specific mobilecommunicator which needs to be repaired and a preferred future pickuplocation of the specific mobile communicator in a repaired state.

Preferably, the method also includes capturing an image of at least partof the specific mobile communicator. Preferably, the method alsoincludes communicating between the depot and at least one mobilecommunicator service center. Preferably, the communicating includescommunicating at least some of the customer inputs to the at least onemobile communicator service center.

Preferably, the method also includes placing the specific mobilecommunicator into a bin located within a mobile communicator storage andtransport structure. Preferably, the communicating includescommunicating the identities of the bin and of the mobile communicatorstorage and transport structure to the at least one mobile communicatorservice center in association with a unique identifier of the specificmobile communicator.

Preferably, at least part of the identities of the bin and of the mobilecommunicator storage and transport structure are encoded in barcodesimprinted on respective ones of the bin and the mobile communicatorstorage and transport structure.

Preferably, the method also includes dispensing, to the customer, mobilecommunicator accessories suitable for use with the substitute mobilecommunicators to be used until the customer's mobile communicator isreturned in a repaired state to the customer, and accepting, from thecustomer, the mobile communicator accessories earlier dispensed to thecustomer, upon return of the customer's mobile communicator in arepaired state to the customer. Preferably, the accessories include atleast one of a mobile communicator charger and a data synchronizingcable.

Preferably, the mobile communicator storage and transport structure isoperable for removal thereof from the depot and for transport betweenthe depot and the mobile communicator service center.

Preferably, the method also includes notifying the customer that hismobile communicator has been repaired and will be available for pickupat a specific automatic mobile communicator depot at a specific time.Additionally or alternatively, the method also includes notifying thecustomer that his mobile communicator has been repaired and is availablefor pickup at a specific automatic mobile communicator depot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the current invention is described hereinbelowwith reference to the following drawings:

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are simplified illustrations of three examples of aninitial stage of mobile communicator depot methodology in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention:

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C together are a simplified illustration of anautomatic acceptance processing of a customer's mobile communicatorstage of mobile communicator depot methodology in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F and 3G together are a simplifiedillustration of a replacement mobile communicator personalization anddispensing stage of mobile communicator depot methodology in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F together are a simplified illustrationof a back-end processing stage of mobile communicator depot methodologyin accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B together are a simplified illustration of a replacementmobile communicator return stage of mobile communicator depotmethodology in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D together are a simplified illustration ofreplacement mobile communicator acceptance, validation anddepersonalization functionality and customer's mobile communicatorrepersonalization and dispensing functionality in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7a and b show features of a cellular phone console, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention:

FIG. 8 shows further features of the console, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows a front panel of the user interactive unit, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention,

FIGS. 10-11 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention inwhich a repair certificate mechanism (e.g., printer) is illustrated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, various aspects of the invention will bedescribed. For the purposes of explanation, specific details are setforth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. Itwill be apparent to one skilled in the art that there are otherembodiments of the invention that differ in details without affectingthe essential nature thereof. Therefore the invention is not limited bythat which is illustrated in the figures and described in thespecification, but only as indicated in the accompanying claims, withthe proper scope determined only by the broadest interpretation of saidclaims.

This invention relates to a cellular mobile phone console for receiving,from a defined user, a malfunctioning cellular phone; and a dispensingsaid user with a functioning cellular telephone. It should be emphasizedthat the dispensed functioning cellular telephone is not necessarily thereceived malfunctioned cellular phone; furthermore, it should beemphasized that the dispensed functioning cellular telephone could befrom a different model than the received malfunctioned cellular phone.The core concept behind the present invention is the ability to receive,from a defined user, a malfunctioning cellular phone; and to dispensesaid user with a functioning cellular telephone.

The present invention also provides an automatic mobile communicatordepot system and methodology. There is thus provided in accordance witha preferred embodiment of the present invention an automatic mobilecommunicator depot system including a mobile communicator acceptor foraccepting mobile communicators and providing mobile communicatoracceptance inputs, a mobile communicator dispenser for dispensingsubstitute mobile communicators in response to substitute mobilecommunicator dispensing instructions, a customer interface receivingcustomer inputs identifying a specific mobile communicator with aspecific customer, and a depot controller responsive at least to thecustomer inputs and the acceptance inputs and including dispensercontrol functionality for providing dispensing instructions to themobile communicator dispenser to dispense a specific substitute mobilecommunicator to a specific customer and automatic telephone numbertransfer functionality for transferring a telephone number from a mobilecommunicator received by the mobile communicator acceptor from a givencustomer to the substitute mobile communicator dispensed by the mobilecommunicator dispenser to the customer.

It should be pointed out that the telephone number of the substitutemobile communicator dispensed by said mobile communicator dispenser tosaid customer may be identical to the telephone number of the mobilecommunicator received by said mobile communicator acceptor or may bedifferent.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C, which are simplifiedillustrations of three examples of an initial stage of mobilecommunicator depot methodology in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention. Turning to FIG. 1A, there is shown a scenariowherein a customer, whose mobile communicator 100, here a smartphone, isbroken, initiates a repair over the internet such as by using his homecomputer to access the customer service website of cellular telephoneservice provider.

Typically the customer identifies himself to the customer servicewebsite by entering his mobile communicator telephone number and aunique identifier, such as the last four digits of his credit card. Thecustomer may then select the Automated Telephone Repair Service and isthen prompted to describe the problem with his mobile communicator 100,such as a broken screen. It is appreciated that once the customer entersthe telephone number of mobile communicator 100, the system already hasinformation regarding the identity, type and functionality of mobilecommunicator 100.

The customer is preferably directed to the nearest repair depot 102 andmay be shown its location on a map.

Upon arrival at the repair depot 102, the customer is prompted toidentify himself and his mobile communicator 100 by entering his mobilecommunicator telephone number and a unique identifier, such as the lastfour digits of his credit card.

Turning to FIG. 1B, there is shown an alternative scenario wherein acustomer, whose mobile communicator 100, here a smartphone, is broken,initiates a repair over the internet such as by using another mobilecommunicator 103, such as an iPAD to access the customer service websiteof cellular telephone service provider.

Typically the customer identifies himself by entering his mobilecommunicator telephone number and a unique identifier, such as the lastfour digits of his credit card. The customer may then select theAutomated Telephone Repair Service and is then prompted to describe theproblem with his mobile communicator 100, such as a broken screen. It isappreciated that once the customer enters the telephone number of mobilecommunicator 100, the system already has information regarding theidentity, type and functionality of mobile communicator 100.

The customer is preferably directed to the nearest repair depot 102 andmay be shown its location on a map.

Upon arrival at the repair depot 102, the customer is prompted toidentify himself and his mobile communicator by entering his mobilecommunicator telephone number and a unique identifier, such as the lastfour digits of his credit card.

Turning to FIG. 1C, there is shown a scenario wherein a customer, whosemobile communicator 100, here a smartphone, is broken, is unable toinitiate a repair over the internet, since he does not have access tothe internet. In such a case, the customer may go directly to a repairdepot 102.

Typically the repair depot 102 interacts directly with the customer andprompts the customer to identify himself by entering his mobilecommunicator telephone number and a unique identifier, such as the lastfour digits of his credit card. The customer is then prompted todescribe the problem with his mobile communicator, such as a brokenscreen. It is appreciated that once the customer enters the telephonenumber of mobile communicator 100, the system already has informationregarding the identity, type and functionality of mobile communicator100.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, which together are asimplified illustration of an automatic acceptance processing of acustomer's mobile communicator stage of mobile communicator depotmethodology in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. As seen in FIG. 2A, upon arrival at depot 102, a customer isprompted to place his mobile communicator 100 in a receiving receptacle104.

As shown in FIG. 2B, depot 102 preferably includes functionality forconfirming that mobile communicator 100 is placed in the receptacle 104with its screen 106 facing upwards and also includes a camera 108 forphotographing the top surface of mobile communicator 100, the topsurface including screen 106.

A robotic mechanism 110 is preferably employed for initiallyrepositioning the receptacle 104 containing mobile communicator 100 fromits initial position, shown in FIG. 2A, at which the customer placedmobile communicator 100 therein, to a second position, shown in FIG. 2Bat which the top surface of mobile communicator 100 is photographed bycamera 108, to a third position in which mobile communicator is disposedwithin one of a multiplicity of bins 112, each of which is preferablyidentified by a barcode 114 and which are located in a storage andtransport structure 116.

A barcode scanner 118 is preferably mounted on robotic mechanism 110 forreading barcode 114 of bin 112 in which the customer's mobilecommunicator 100 is placed, for recording the identity of bin 112 andfor associating it with the identity of customer's mobile communicator100 in a computerized database.

As shown in FIG. 2C, a virtual repair ticket 120 is preferablygenerated. Virtual repair ticket 120 preferably includes the customer'smobile communicator telephone number, the bin number of the bin in whichmobile communicator 100 is disposed, and a description of the requiredrepair as provided by the customer. The virtual repair ticket 120 ispreferably transmitted via the internet to a central server 122,typically located at a site remote from depot 102, which site may housea repair center.

The customer receives an acknowledgement of receipt of the depositedmobile communicator 102, preferably in the form of an audio-visualmessage which is backed up by a virtual email message and preferably isprompted to select a preferred pick up location, which need not be thesame depot 102. Upon receipt of a user pick up location selection input,the depot 102 preferably provides an acknowledgement, preferably in theform of an audio-visual message which is backed up by a virtual emailmessage.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F and 3G, whichtogether are a simplified illustration of a replacement mobilecommunicator personalization and dispensing stage of mobile communicatordepot methodology in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3G, it is a particular featureof the present invention that, upon request by the customer, areplacement mobile communicator is automatically provided to thecustomer by the depot.

As shown in particular in FIG. 3A, depot 102 offers the customer areplacement mobile communicator to be used while his broken mobilecommunicator is being repaired. As further shown in FIG. 3B, uponaccepting the offer, the customer is then asked by depot 102 whether hewould prefer that his contact list be transferred to the replacementmobile communicator.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 3C, depot 102 selects a replacementcommunicator bin 130 which is located in a replacement communicatorstorage and transport structure 132 and which contains a replacementmobile communicator, and preferably employs barcode scanner 118 which ispreferably mounted on robotic mechanism 110 to read the barcode 136 ofbin 130.

As further shown in FIG. 3C, a virtual mobile communicator activationinstruction 140 is preferably generated by depot 102, which instruction140 preferably includes the customer's mobile communicator telephonenumber and the bin number of bin 130 retrieved from barcode 136.Instruction 140 is preferably transmitted via the internet to a centralserver 122, typically located at a site remote from depot 102, whichsite may house a service center. It is appreciated that server 122stores information for associating bin numbers of bins in replacementcommunicator storage and transport structure 132 with identifiers ofmobile communicators stored therewithin. Therefore, server 122 mayutilize the information in instruction 140 to associate the customer'smobile communicator telephone number with the identifier of thereplacement mobile communicator located in bin 130, and to store thisinformation for ascertaining, upon return of repaired mobilecommunicator 100 to the customer, that the replacement mobilecommunicator dispensed to the customer is indeed returned.

Responsive to instruction 140, server 122 preferably activates thereplacement mobile communicator located in bin 130 in association withthe customer's mobile communicator telephone number.

As yet further shown in FIG. 3C, depot 102 then generates a virtualcontact list synchronization instruction 150, which instruction 150preferably includes the customer's/mobile communicator's identifier andthe bin number of bin 130 retrieved from barcode 136. Instruction 150 ispreferably transmitted via the internet to central server 122 andinstructs server 122 to download the customer's contact list to depot102. It is appreciated that contact lists stored on mobile communicatorsare typically also stored on the internet on various backup facilities,such as, for example, on a central backup server of the cellulartelephone service provider, and therefore may be accessible to server122.

As yet further shown in FIG. 3C, upon receiving virtual contact listsynchronization instruction 150, server 122 preferably transmits thecustomer's contact list 160 to depot 102 where it is temporarily stored.

Turning now to FIG. 3D, it is shown that robotic mechanism 110 ispreferably employed for retrieving replacement mobile communicator 162from bin 130. Preferably, after replacement mobile communicator 162 isretrieved, depot 102 loads contact list 160 onto mobile communicator 162preferably by wirelessly communicating therewith. It is appreciated thatcommunication between depot 102 and replacement mobile communicator 162may alternatively be wired.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 3E, robotic mechanism 110 preferably placesreplacement mobile communicator 162 into receptacle 104, and alsopreferably places a compatible mobile communicator accessory kit 164into a dispenser bin 166. It is appreciated that mobile communicatoraccessory kit 164 may include, for example, a mobile communicatorcharger and data synchronizing cables.

Turning now to FIG. 3F, is shown that depot 102 thereafter notifies thecustomer that a replacement mobile communicator having his contact listloaded thereupon has been prepared for him, and prompts the customer toremove replacement mobile communicator 162 and mobile communicatoraccessory kit 164 from receptacle 104 and bin 166, respectively. Asfurther shown in FIG. 3G, after retrieving replacement mobilecommunicator 162 and mobile communicator accessory kit 164, the customerascertains that replacement mobile communicator 162 is loaded with hiscontact list, and that replacement mobile communicator 162 is fullyfunctional.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F, which togetherare a simplified illustration of a back-end processing stage of mobilecommunicator depot methodology in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4A, a mobile communicatordepot service employee arrives at depot 102 and removes storage andtransport structure 116 from depot 102. As described hereinabove withregard to FIG. 2A, storage and transport structure 116 preferablycomprises bins 112, each of bins 112 preferably containing a mobilecommunicator destined for repair.

As further shown in FIG. 4A, after removing storage and transportstructure 116 from depot 102, the depot service employee inserts analternative storage and transport structure 170 into depot 102,transport structure 170 preferably having repaired mobile communicatorsdisposed in bins therewithin. The method by which mobile communicatorsare repaired and disposed within transport structure 170 will bedescribed in greater detail hereinbelow with regard to FIGS. 4B-4E.

As yet further shown in FIG. 4A, after inserting alternative storage andtransport structure 170 into depot 102, the depot service employeeremoves storage and transport structure 116 from the premises and, asshown in FIG. 4B, delivers storage and transport structure 116 to amobile communicator service center.

Turning now to FIG. 4B, it is shown that a mobile communicator servicecenter employee receives storage and transport structure 116 from thedepot service employee and preferably scans the barcode of each of bins112 which contains a broken mobile communicator into a computer 172. Itis appreciated that computer 172 preferably communicates with server 122and is operative to retrieve information associated with broken mobilecommunicator 100 which was submitted to server 122 via a virtual repairticket, such as virtual repair ticket 120 of FIG. 2C. As describedhereinabove with regard to FIG. 2C, this information may include, forexample, a bin identification number of the bin 112 containing brokenmobile communicator 100, a mobile communicator customer identifier suchas a telephone number, and a description of the required repair. Theinformation also preferably includes an identifier of the particulardepot at which mobile communicator was deposited and an identifier ofthe preferred pickup location of the repaired mobile communicator as,for example, specified by the customer in the illustration of FIG. 2C.

As yet further shown in FIG. 4B, after retrieving the information ofvirtual repair ticket 120 from computer 172, the service center employeeretrieves mobile communicator 100 from its bin 112 and repairs mobilecommunicator 100.

It is appreciated that while being repaired, the contact list stored inmobile communicator 100 may be partially or completely deleted. Thecontact list may have also been partially or completely deleted uponbreakage of mobile communicator 100. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4C, theservice center employee preferably utilizes computer 172 to accessserver 122 to download the customer's contact list 160 to computer 172in preparation for reactivation of mobile communicator 100. As describedhereinabove with regard to the illustration of FIG. 3C, it isappreciated that mobile communicator contact lists are typically alsostored on the internet on various backup facilities, such as, forexample, on a central backup server of the cellular telephone serviceprovider, and therefore may be accessible to server 122.

As further shown in FIG. 4C, the service center employee preferablyloads contact list 160 onto mobile communicator 100 by wirelesslytransmitting contact list 160 from computer 172 to mobile communicator100. Alternatively, transmission of the contact list from computer 172to mobile communicator 100 may be wired.

Turning now to FIG. 4D, it is shown that after completing the repair ofmobile communicator 100 and loading contact list 160 onto repairedmobile communicator 100, the service center employee then preferablyutilizes computer 172 to generate a virtual delivery ticket 176 forrepaired mobile communicator 100, which ticket 176 preferably includes aphysical identifier of communicator 100, such as an IMEI identifier. Itis appreciated that the physical identifier may be retrieved fromcommunicator 100, for example, by scanning a barcode embedded incommunicator 100 or by manually querying communicator 100 via its userinterface.

Preferably, the service center employee also scans a barcode identifier178 of bin 174 into computer 172 and adds identifier 178 to ticket 176.The service center employee then preferably utilizes computer 172 tocommunicate with server 122, where the identifier of communicator 100 asprovided in ticket 176 is used to identify communicator 100 as that ofthe customer of FIGS. 1A-3G. Server 122 is also preferably operative toassociate the customer's identifier, such as his telephone number, andthe preferred pickup location as originally specified by the customer,with ticket 176.

It is appreciated that server 122 is also preferably operative toprovide the service center employee with an identifier of a storage andtransport structure 180 which is destined for delivery to the customer'spreferred pickup location. Upon verifying that the details of ticket 176are correct, the service center employee preferably submits thecompleted ticket 176 to server 122. As shown in FIG. 4E, the servicecenter employee then places repaired mobile communicator into bin 174and inserts bin 174 into storage and transport structure 180 which isdestined for delivery to the customer's preferred pickup location.

As further shown in FIG. 4E, server 122 then preferably sends a message181 to the customer, notifying the customer that his mobile communicatorhas been repaired and will be available at the pickup location heoriginally specified on the following day at or after a particular time,such as 10:00 AM. It is appreciated that message 181 may be, forexample, an email message or an SMS message sent to the customer'sreplacement mobile communicator 162.

Turning now to FIG. 4F, it is shown that a communicator depot serviceemployee arrives at the mobile communicator service center on thefollowing day at 6:00 AM, and retrieves storage and transport structure180 for transport to a mobile communicator depot 182 located at thecustomer's preferred pickup location.

As further shown in FIG. 4F, upon arriving at depot 182, thecommunicator depot service employee preferably removes a storage andtransport structure 184 from within depot 182 for transport to mobilecommunicator service center. Thereafter, the communicator depot serviceemployee inserts storage and transport structure 180 into depot 182,storage and transport structure 180 having repaired mobile communicatorsdisposed therewithin. As yet further shown in FIG. 4F, upon insertion ofstorage and transport structure 180 into depot 182, depot 182 preferablysends a message to server 122, notifying server 122 that storage andtransport structure 180 having repaired mobile communicators disposedtherewithin has been inserted into depot 182.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A and 5B, which together are asimplified illustration of a replacement mobile communicator returnstage of mobile communicator depot methodology in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5A,after storage and transport structure 180 containing repaired mobilecommunicator 100 has been deposited in depot 182, such as at 8:00 AM,the customer preferably receives a message from server 122 that hisrepaired mobile communicator 100 is now available at his preferredpickup location. It is appreciated that the message may be, for example,an email message or an SMS message sent to the customer's replacementmobile communicator 162.

Thereafter, such as at 10:00 AM, the customer arrives at depot 182 andidentifies himself to depot 182 by entering his mobile communicatortelephone number and a unique identifier, such as the last four digitsof his credit card. The customer is then prompted to select a serviceoption, and proceeds to select the Retrieve Repaired Telephone service.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5B, the customer is prompted by depot 182to return replacement mobile communicator 162 and accessory kit 164. Thecustomer then preferably proceeds to place replacement mobilecommunicator 162 into receiving receptacle 104 and accessory kit 164into bin 166. Depot 182 then preferably notifies the customer that thereturned equipment is being processed.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D, which together are asimplified illustration of replacement mobile communicator acceptance,validation and depersonalization functionality and customer's mobilecommunicator repersonalization and dispensing functionality inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6A, depot 182 preferably includes functionality forconfirming that replacement mobile communicator 162 is placed inreceptacle 104 with its screen 106 facing upwards, and also includes acamera 108 for photographing the top surface of mobile communicator 162.It is appreciated that photographing of replacement mobile communicator162 by camera 108 is operative to ascertain that mobile communicator 162is not significantly damaged.

Robotic mechanism 110 is preferably employed for initially repositioningthe receptacle 104 containing replacement mobile communicator 162 fromits initial position, shown in FIG. 5B, at which the customer placedreplacement mobile communicator 162 therein, to a second position, shownin FIG. 6A at which the top surface of replacement mobile communicator162 is photographed by camera 108. Preferably, the replacement mobilecommunicator 162 is verified by depot 182 to be identical to thereplacement mobile communicator originally dispensed to the customer inthe illustrations of FIGS. 3A-3G, for example by scanning the IMEIidentifier of replacement mobile communicator 162 and comparing thescanned IMEI identifier to the IMEI identifier of the replacement mobilecommunicator originally dispensed to the customer, as stored on server122.

Robotic mechanism 110 then preferably removes replacement mobilecommunicator 162 from receptacle 104 and disposes replacement mobilecommunicator 162 into one of bins 186 located in a replacementcommunicator storage and transport structure 188. Each of bins 186 ispreferably identified by a barcode 190. Barcode scanner 118 which ispreferably mounted on robotic mechanism 110 is preferably employed forreading the barcode of bin 186 in which replacement mobile communicator162 is disposed, for recording the identity of the bin 186 and forassociating the identity of bin 186 with the identifier of replacementmobile communicator 162 in a computerized database.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6B, accessory kit 164 is preferablyretrieved from bin 166 by a second robotic arm 190. Upon completing theretrieval of replacement mobile communicator 162 and accessory kit 164from receptacle 104 and bin 166, depot 182 preferably communicates withserver 122 and requests deactivation of replacement mobile communicator162 and reactivation of mobile communicator 100 in association with thecustomer's mobile communicator telephone number. It is appreciated that,as described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 4D, the customer'smobile communicator telephone number is associated by server 122 withmobile communicator 100 and is therefore sufficient to uniquely identifymobile communicator 100.

As yet further shown in FIG. 6B, responsive to the communication fromdepot 182, server 122 deactivates replacement mobile communicator 162and activates mobile communicator 100 in association with the customer'smobile communicator telephone number. Preferably, server 122 alsoprovides the identifier of the specific bin 174 in storage and transportstructure 180 which contains repaired mobile communicator 100. It isappreciated that upon deactivation of replacement mobile communicator162, depot 182 may ascertain whether the customer has stored new data onreplacement mobile communicator 162 during the period of time in whichhe was in possession of replacement mobile communicator 162, and maytransfer the new data to mobile communicator 100 upon activation ofmobile communicator 100.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6C, barcode scanner 118, which ispreferably mounted on robotic mechanism 110, is employed to identify andlocate bin 174 by its barcode identifier 178, which identifier 178 wasprovided by server 122 to 182 as identifying the bin in which repairedmobile communicator 100 is disposed.

Upon locating bin 174, robotic mechanism 110 is preferably employed toretrieve repaired mobile communicator 100 from bin 174 and to depositrepaired mobile communicator 100 into receptacle 104, and to thereafterreposition receptacle 104 to a position which is accessible to thecustomer. As further shown in FIG. 6C, the customer is then prompted bydepot 182 to retrieve his repaired mobile communicator from receptacle104.

Turning now to FIG. 6D, it is shown that upon retrieving his repairedmobile communicator 100 from receptacle 104, the customer verifies thatmobile communicator 100 is in working condition and that his contactlist is present on communicator 100.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7a , which illustrates a preferredembodiment of the present invention, in which the system comprising ahousing 12, a receiving port 14 for receiving a malfunctioning cellularmobile phone 16 and a dispensing mechanism 1000 for providing said userwith a functioning cellular telephone.

It should be emphasized that the functioning cellular telephone does notnecessarily have to be the same as the malfunctioning cellular mobilephone 16 (either the actual same phone or the same type) received.

It should be emphasized that according to another embodiment of thepresent invention the cellular phone console will be able to operate ina minimal interaction time between the client and the system in order toprevent any queues from creation and to maximize the convenient of usein the cellular phone console.

It should be emphasized that according to another embodiment of thepresent invention the cellular phone console will be adapted to beplaced in public domains; but, will be with the ability to prevent anyburglary and theft of the content of the cellular phone console (i.e.,the malfunctioned cellular phones received).

It should be emphasized that according to another embodiment of thepresent invention the cellular phone console will have an identificationmechanism adapted to identify the user/client. The identificationmechanism can be based on identifying the client's phone number and theidentification that the client himself is indeed who he claims to be.

It should be emphasized that according to another embodiment of thepresent invention the cellular phone console will have an identificationmechanism that will identify the malfunctioned cellular phone received(i.e., the model of the same, the producer of the same, the phone numberof the client, the I.D. number of the client, address, email et cetera).

It should be emphasized that according to another embodiment of thepresent invention the cellular phone console will present the clientwith a menu in which the client will elect the malfunction of the phone.

According to another embodiment, the client would be able to add anycomment/complaint with respect to the service or the malfunctionedphone.

According to another embodiment, the client would be able to receive analternative functioning phone.

According to another embodiment, the cellular phone console will beprovided with the ability to detect errors (e.g., in the client'smessage).

According to another embodiment, once the malfunctioned phone has beenreceived within the cellular phone console, the client will receive adetailed document informing him on at least one detail selected from (a)the malfunctioned phone received; i.e., the identification of thephone's type, the number of the same etc. (b) the malfunction itself;(c) the time which the functioning phone will be provided; (d) theclient's detail. i.e., name, ID number, a second number at which he canbe reached, home address etc.; and, (e) an identification number in casesomething is lost; (e) the cellular phone console's identificationnumber, its exact position, etc; (f) detail on the date and time atwhich the malfunctioned phone has been deposited in said cellular phoneconsole; an approximation as for the time that will be needed for therepair of said malfunctioned phone; and any combination thereof.

Thus, according to this embodiment, the client, once depositing amalfunctioned phone, will receive a receipt. The receipt will includedetails of the malfunctioned phone (type, number etc.), the client(name, address, reachable number etc.), the malfunction itself (eithersoftware malfunctions or hardware malfunctions, etc.), details on thecellular phone console in which the malfunctioned phone had beendeposit, detail on the date and time at which the malfunctioned phonehas been deposited in said cellular phone console, and an identificationnumber in case something is lost; and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment, the malfunctioned phone, oncedeposited, is sent to the manufacturer and/or agent for repair. Once themalfunctioned phone has been repaired, the same can be sent to either(a) directly to the client; (b) to the cellular phone console in whichthe malfunctioned phone was deposited; or (c) another cellular phoneconsole.

According to another embodiment, the client, when receiving the repairedphone, will be given by the cellular phone console a detailed secondreceipt in which there will be details of the malfunction, and therepair (i.e., whatever was repair in the malfunctioned phone, e.g.broken external panel).

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the repairedphone can be received from the cellular phone console at which saidmalfunctioned phone was deposit or a different cellular phone console.

According to another embodiment, once the malfunctioned phone has beenreceived, the same will be enclosed within a protected container. Saidcontainer will be protected against theft.

According to another embodiment, the client would be able to back-up theinformation obtained within the malfunctioned phone.

According to another embodiment, the client would be able to diagnosehis malfunctioned phone.

According to another embodiment, all of the malfunctioned phone'saccessories (e.g., bag, battery, charger etc.) will be tagged with radiofrequency identification (RFID).

According to another embodiment, once the malfunctioned phone isrepaired, an SMS message will be sent to the client informing him of thesame.

It should be emphasized that according to another embodiment of thepresent invention the cellular phone console will be provided with acamera adapted to identify the client.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7b , which shows a cellular phone console10, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Thecellular phone console 10 includes, inter alia, a housing 12, areceiving port 14 for receiving a malfunctioning cellular mobile phone16 as well as a user interactive unit 18 for displaying the currentstatus and the current functionalities of the console 10, including amenu of cellular mobile phone malfunctions 20.

According to one embodiment, the user complaining of the malfunctioningmobile phone 16 inserts the malfunctioning mobile phone 16 into thereceiving port 14 and the user interactive unit 18 displays, inter alia,a menu of mobile phone malfunctions 20, which include hardwaremalfunctions 21 and software malfunctions 23, as described below.

The user selects at least one malfunction 22 from the menu of mobilephone malfunctions 20, typically, by touching an appropriate menudisplay malfunctions 25, as displayed by the user interactive unit 18.

It is appreciated that the user is also able to select at least onehardware malfunction, at least one software malfunction and/or acombination of hardware and software malfunctions.

The console 10 also includes a processor 24, which controls theoperational procedures and processes in the console 10.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 7b -8, which shows further features ofthe console 10, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

The console 10 may also include a replacement mobile phone storagecompartment 1220 coupled to an ejection port 82. Thus, following theinsertion of the malfunctioning mobile phone 16 in the receiving port14, the user interactive unit 18 displays on the display panel 1060 (seeFIG. 9) a list of temporary replacement cellular mobile phones 124, forselection by the user.

The malfunctioning mobile phone 16 is now prepared for forwarding to themobile manufacturer and/or agent for repair.

If the user wishes to select a replacement mobile phone 124, the userselects this option by activating the appropriate option on theinteractive unit 18 and appropriately responds to a relevant promptdisplayed on a display unit 1060 (see FIG. 9).

During the period of time in which the malfunctioning mobile phone 16 isbeing repaired by forwarding the malfunctioning mobile phone 16 thephone manufacturer and/or agent for repairs, a replacement mobile phone124 is available to the user and obtained via the ejection port 82 ofthe console 10.

In order to obtain the replacement phone 124, the console 10 providesthe user with an appropriate repair certificate that the malfunctioningphone 16 is being forwarded to the mobile phone manufacturer and/oragent for repair.

Otherwise, the user receives the repair certificate without thereplacement mobile phone 124.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the console 10provides the user with an appropriate repair certificate that themalfunctioning phone 16 is being forwarded to the mobile phonemanufacturer and/or agent for repair.

The repair certificate 500 (not shown in the figures) is being issued bya repair certificate mechanism (e.g., printer) 501 (see FIGS. 10-11),once an issuing signal 502 (not shown in the figures) is being sent fromthe processor 24.

The repair certificate can comprise at least one detail selected from(a) the malfunctioned phone received; i.e., the identification of thephone's type, the number of the same etc. (b) the malfunction itself;(c) the time which the functioning phone is expected to be provided; (d)the client's detail. i.e., name, I.D. number, a second number at whichhe can be reached, home address etc.; and, (e) an identification numberin case something is lost; (f) the cellular phone console'sidentification number, its exact position, etc.; (g) detail on the dateand time at which the malfunctioned phone has been deposited in saidcellular phone console, approximate time in which the malfunctionedphone will be repaired; and any combination thereof.

According to another embodiment, the malfunctioned phone, oncedeposited, is sent to the manufacturer and/or agent for repair. Once themalfunctioned phone has been repaired, the same can be sent to either(a) directly to the client; (b) to the cellular phone console in whichthe malfunctioned phone was deposited; or (c) another cellular phoneconsole.

According to another embodiment, the client, when receiving the repairedphone, will be given by the cellular phone console a detailed secondreceipt in which there will be details of the malfunction, and therepair (i.e., whatever was repair in the malfunctioned phone, e.g.broken external panel).

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the repairedphone can be received from the cellular phone console at which saidmalfunctioned phone was deposit or a different cellular phone console.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9, which shows a front panel 1010 of theuser interactive unit 18, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

The front panel 1010 includes, inter alia, a data input unit 1020, suchas a touch-type unit, for the user to input requisite data 1040, suchcellular mobile phone type and model number and a display screen 1060,such as an LCD screen, for displaying various data, such as the userinputted data 104 as well as selected malfunction data as well asinforming the user of the status and progress of a repair procedure.

The front panel 1010 includes, inter alia, a data input unit 1020, suchas a touch-type unit, for the user to input data 1040 and also a useridentification code 105.

The front panel 1010 is typically divided into a hardware section 1080and a software section 1100. The sections 1080 and 1100 include variousoptions 1120 and 1140, respectively, available for the user to identifyand define to the console 10, the mobile phone malfunction and/ormalfunctions. Typically, the malfunctions include the hardwaremalfunctions 21 and the software malfunctions 23 listed above.

It should be emphasized, however, that in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention, console 10 doesn't necessarilyincludes a data input unit 1020, hardware section 1080 and the softwaresection 1100.

If the user detects that a mobile phone malfunction is not included inthe options 1120 and/or 1140, the console 10 includes an option for theuser to input a non-listed malfunction 1200 (not shown in the figures)by the user inputting the non-listed malfunction into the console 10 bymeans of the input unit 1020.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 10-11 illustrating a preferred embodimentof the present invention in which a repair certificate mechanism (e.g.,printer) 501 is illustrated.

Reference is now made to FIG. 10, which shows a cellular phone console10, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Thecellular phone console 10 includes, inter alia, a housing 12, areceiving port 14 for receiving a malfunctioning cellular mobile phone16 as well as a user interactive unit 18 for displaying the currentstatus and the current functionalities of the console 10.

A user complaining of the malfunctioning mobile phone 16 inserts themalfunctioning mobile phone 16 into the receiving port 14 and the userinteractive unit 18 displays, inter alia, a menu of mobile phonemalfunctions 20, which include hardware malfunctions 21 and softwaremalfunctions 23, as described below.

It should be emphasized that the interactive unit 18 displays does notnecessarily displays the malfunctions 20 and the user simply deposit themalfunctioning cellular mobile phone 16 in console 10.

Thus, alternatively, it should be pointed out that the user merelydeposit the malfunctioning mobile phone 16 without selecting amalfunction from the menu of mobile phone malfunctions 20.

Alternatively, the user selects at least one malfunction 22 from themenu of mobile phone malfunctions 20, typically, by touching anappropriate menu display malfunctions 25, as displayed by the userinteractive unit 18.

The malfunction 22 can be at least one hardware malfunctions 21 or atleast one software malfunctions 23 or any combination thereof.

It is appreciated that the user is also able to select at least onehardware malfunction, at least one software malfunction and/or acombination of hardware and software malfunctions.

The console 10 also includes a processor 24, which controls theoperational procedures and processes in the console 10.

According to this embodiment, the console 10 also include a replacementmobile phone storage compartment 1220 coupled to an ejection port 82.

Thus, following the insertion of the malfunctioning mobile phone 16 inthe receiving port 14, the user interactive unit 18 displays on thedisplay panel 1060 (see FIG. 9) a list of temporary replacement cellularmobile phones 124, for selection by the user.

The malfunctioning mobile phone 16 is now prepared for forwarding to themobile manufacturer and/or agent for repair.

If the user wishes to select a replacement mobile phone 124, the userselects this option by activating the appropriate option on theinteractive unit 18 and appropriately responds to a relevant promptdisplayed on a display unit 1060.

During the period of time in which the malfunctioning mobile phone 16 isbeing repaired by forwarding the malfunctioning mobile phone 16 thephone manufacturer and/or agent for repairs, a replacement mobile phone124 is available to the user and obtained via the ejection port 82 ofthe console 10.

In order to obtain the replacement phone 124, the console 10 providesthe user with an appropriate repair certificate that the malfunctioningphone 16 is being forwarded to the mobile phone manufacturer and/oragent for repair. The repair certificate 500 is being issued by a repaircertificate mechanism (e.g., printer) 501, once an issuing signal 502 isbeing sent from the processor 24.

The repair certificate will comprise details selected from (a) themalfunctioned phone received; i.e., the identification of the phone'stype, the number of the same etc. (b) the malfunction itself; (c) thetime which the functioning phone will be provided; (d) the client'sdetail. i.e., name, ID number, a second number at which he can bereached, home address etc.; and, (e) an identification number in casesomething is lost; (f) the cellular phone console's identificationnumber, its exact position, etc. (g) detail on the date and time atwhich the malfunctioned phone has been deposited in said cellular phoneconsole, and any combination thereof.

Otherwise, the user receives the repair certificate without thereplacement mobile phone 124.

According to another embodiment, the malfunctioned phone, oncedeposited, is sent to the manufacturer and/or agent for repair. Once themalfunctioned phone has been repaired, the same can be sent to either(a) directly to the client; (b) to the cellular phone console in whichthe malfunctioned phone was deposited; or (c) another cellular phoneconsole.

According to another embodiment, the client, when receiving the repairedphone, will be given by the cellular phone console a detailed secondreceipt in which there will be details of the malfunction, and therepair (i.e., whatever was repair in the malfunctioned phone, e.g.broken external panel).

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the repairedphone can be received from the cellular phone console at which saidmalfunctioned phone was deposit or a different cellular phone console.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, themalfunctioning cellular phone's number dispensed into the cellular phoneconsole has the same phone number as the dispensed functioning cellulartelephone.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the cellularphone console will comprise means adapted to transfer data stored in themalfunctioning cellular phone to said functioning cellular telephone.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the datacomprises at least part of a contact list.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the transferof data is at least partly wireless.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the presentinvention is not limited by what has been particularly shown anddescribed hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present inventionincludes both combinations and subcombinations of the various featuresdescribed hereinabove as well as modifications thereof which would occurto persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description andwhich are not in the prior art.

In the foregoing description, embodiments of the invention, includingpreferred embodiments, have been presented for the purpose ofillustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive orto limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obviousmodifications or variations are possible in light of the aboveteachings. The embodiments were chosen and described to provide the bestillustration of the principals of the invention and its practicalapplication, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilizethe invention in various embodiments and with various modifications asare suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modificationsand variations are within the scope of the invention as determined bythe appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth theyare fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An automatic mobile communicator depotsystem comprising: a mobile communicator acceptor accepting mobilecommunicators and providing mobile communicator acceptance inputs; amobile communicator dispenser dispensing substitute mobile communicatorsin response to substitute mobile communicator dispensing instructions; acustomer interface receiving customer inputs identifying a specificmobile communicator with a specific customer; and a depot controllerresponsive at least to said customer inputs and said acceptance inputsand including: dispenser control functionality providing dispensinginstructions to said mobile communicator dispenser to dispense aspecific substitute mobile communicator to a specific customer; andautomatic telephone data transfer functionality transferring telephonedata relating to a mobile communicator received by said mobilecommunicator acceptor from a given customer to said substitute mobilecommunicator dispensed by said mobile communicator dispenser to saidcustomer.
 2. An automatic mobile communicator depot system according toclaim 1 and wherein said mobile communicator acceptor is operative toaccept from a customer a mobile communicator to be repaired and saidmobile communicator dispenser is operative to dispense to said customera temporary replacement mobile communicator to be used until thecustomer's mobile communicator is returned in a repaired state to thecustomer.
 3. An automatic mobile communicator depot system according toclaim 1 and wherein said mobile communicator acceptor is operative toaccept from a customer a mobile communicator to be replaced and saidmobile communicator dispenser is operative to dispense to said customera permanent replacement mobile communicator.
 4. An automatic mobilecommunicator depot system according to claim 2 and wherein said mobilecommunicator acceptor is also operative to accept from said customersaid temporary replacement mobile communicator and said mobilecommunicator dispenser is operative to dispense said mobile communicatorearlier received by said mobile communicator acceptor from saidcustomer, to said customer in a repaired state.
 5. An automatic mobilecommunicator depot system according to claim 2 and wherein said mobilecommunicator acceptor is also operative to accept from said customer atemporary replacement mobile communicator dispensed to said customer bya mobile communicator dispenser which is not said mobile communicatordispenser, and said mobile communicator dispenser is operative todispense said mobile communicator earlier received from said customer bya mobile communicator acceptor which is not said mobile communicatoracceptor, to said customer in a repaired state.
 6. An automatic mobilecommunicator depot system according to claim 1 and wherein saidautomatic telephone data transfer functionality transfers said telephonedata from said temporary replacement mobile communicator received bysaid mobile communicator acceptor from said customer to said mobilecommunicator dispensed to said customer in a repaired state.
 7. Anautomatic mobile communicator depot system according claim 2 and whereinsaid telephone data relating to a mobile communicator received by saidmobile communicator acceptor is stored in said mobile communicatorreceived by said mobile communicator acceptor.
 8. An automatic mobilecommunicator depot system according to claim 7 and wherein said datacomprises at least part of a contact list.
 9. An automatic mobilecommunicator depot system according to claim 7 and wherein saidtransferring of data is at least partly wireless.
 10. An automaticmobile communicator depot system according to claim 7 and wherein saidautomatic telephone data transfer functionality also transfers datastored in said temporary replacement mobile communicator earlierreceived by said mobile communicator acceptor from a given customer tosaid mobile communicator dispensed to said customer in a repaired state.11. An automatic mobile communicator depot system according claim 2 andwherein said telephone data relating to a mobile communicator receivedby said mobile communicator acceptor is stored in an internet accessiblestorage facility.
 12. An automatic mobile communicator depot systemaccording to claim 11 and wherein said data comprises at least part of acontact list.
 13. An automatic mobile communicator depot systemaccording to claim 11 and wherein said transferring of data is at leastpartly wireless.
 14. An automatic mobile communicator depot systemaccording to claim 1 and also comprising a customer internet interfacereceiving customer inputs identifying a specific mobile communicatorwith a specific customer via the internet.
 15. An automatic mobilecommunicator depot system according to claim 1 and wherein said customerinputs comprise at least a telephone number of said specific mobilecommunicator.
 16. An automatic mobile communicator depot systemaccording to claim 2 and wherein said customer inputs comprise at leasta description of a malfunction of said specific mobile communicatorwhich needs to be repaired and a preferred future pickup location ofsaid specific mobile communicator in a repaired state.
 17. An automaticmobile communicator depot system according to claim 1 and wherein saidmobile communicator acceptor also comprises imaging functionalitycapturing an image of at least part of said specific mobilecommunicator.
 18. An automatic mobile communicator depot systemaccording to claim 1 and wherein said mobile communicator acceptor alsocomprises depot-service center communication functionality communicatingbetween said depot and at least one mobile communicator service center.19. An automatic mobile communicator depot system according to claim 18and wherein said depot-service center communication functionalitycommunicates at least some of said customer inputs to said at least onemobile communicator service center.
 20. An automatic mobile communicatordepot system according to claim 19 and wherein said mobile communicatoracceptor places said specific mobile communicator into a bin locatedwithin a mobile communicator storage and transport structure.